tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1255715011615375832015-07-15T08:39:27.874-04:00Atopic Girl's Guide to LivingA Canadian girl's guide to dealing with allergies, asthma, eczema and living with it all.Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-26484444453232083192013-01-20T09:35:00.000-05:002013-01-20T09:35:03.694-05:00AtopicGirl Is On HiatusWhen I started the AtopicGirl blog and Twitter feed, it was partly because I wanted to get some experience with social media. My background is in communications and social media is now a huge part of being a part of that discipline.<br /><br />Over a year later, I've become heavily involved with volunteer organizations related to healthcare and politics - my two loves. Unfortunately, AtopicGirl has suffered for that recently as my volunteer involvements have increased. I love the positions I have, and honestly, without AtopicGirl I wouldn't have achieved what I have.<br /><br />Still, I have to put aside my blog for now. I can no longer make the commitment it deserves. I hope this is a temporary situation and I will still be on Twitter, though in a limited capacity. I still have so many things to write about regarding eczema, allergies, asthma and mental health. I still think there's a lot of misinformation regarding these conditions on the internet and I've always thought my place was to provide a non-medical, but evidence-based opinion from someone who has these conditions and believes that scientific evidence is the best way to evaluate effective treatments, no matter the origin - from nature or from a lab.<br /><br />I also still believe that while Canadians are fortunate to have universal health care, we do not have the best system in the world and can learn a lot more from other nations about dealing with chronic conditions. <br /><br />Clearly, I have a lot to say still and hopefully, I'll be back soon to say it.<br /><br />Thank you for reading and please don't hesitate to contact me.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />AtopicGirl (Tristan)Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-68055356079850105532012-12-10T14:45:00.000-05:002012-12-10T14:45:29.535-05:00It's Time to Advocate for Eczema<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This has been adapted from an early draft of a speech I wrote for the Eczema Society of Canada’s Patient Education event in Toronto in November 2012. I ended up giving a different talk, but still felt attached to this one. So, here it is, adapted for my blog. 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mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’d like you to think bigger about eczema. This can be very difficult to do when your skin is itchy and you’re just trying to stop scratching all the time or you’re constantly telling someone you love to “Please stop scratching! You’re making it worse!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>So, this is your opportunity to do so.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m going to throw out some specific numbers. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, up to 17 per cent of people will experience some form of eczema during their lifetime. According to EASE, about 10 to 15 per cent of children who have atopic dermatitis will continue to have it as adults. 40 to 50 percent of children with eczema will develop hayfever, asthma or both. During my search for specific data about eczema, I tried to see what Health Canada had written about it. The answer is absolutely nothing. The prevalence of eczema in the population – for children and adults – is over 10 per cent higher than food allergies (which is 5 to 6 percent in children and 3-4 per cent in adults), yet Health Canada has nothing to say. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I see increasing numbers of newspaper articles and blog posts on food allergy bullying. Horrible that it happens, but great that awareness is growing. I was even asked to share my experience on food allergy bullying by a Canadian blogger, but I had to tell her that I was never bullied because of my food allergies. I was bullied because of my eczema. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If I had to choose to get rid of one condition tomorrow, and I’ve got a few to choose from, I would choose eczema. I would happily stay allergic to pets, foods and pollen if the trade off was no eczema. Funny because it’s pretty unlikely that eczema can kill me. However, anyone with eczema or who cares for someone with eczema can probably understand my thought process when they think of the numerous emotional and physical impacts of eczema.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZxSszdcO1E/UMY7K5A6eWI/AAAAAAAAARI/_6HnovM0gfE/s1600/MP900431663%5B1%5D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZxSszdcO1E/UMY7K5A6eWI/AAAAAAAAARI/_6HnovM0gfE/s200/MP900431663%5B1%5D.jpg" width="133" /></a>Yet, eczema is often thought of as somewhat annoying, dry patches of skin. Kids are told that they have to understand that scratching is bad for them and to “just stop”. On television, eczema is the purview of geeky geniuses like Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory and certainly not something anyone “attractive” or “normal” would have. The truth is that it can be a debilitating condition resulting in lost sleep, missed days of work and school and impacts everything from school work to family life to forming healthy relationships.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am honestly not sure why eczema (and everything that falls under that blanket term) isn’t regarded as the serious condition it is. Considering some of the new research about the atopic march – essentially the movement from eczema to other atopic conditions and food allergies – eczema should be of great concern and more focus than it has been.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GU0-aKS7x5U/UMY7J2MEGwI/AAAAAAAAARA/yyL4iaG7OBs/s1600/MP900411759%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GU0-aKS7x5U/UMY7J2MEGwI/AAAAAAAAARA/yyL4iaG7OBs/s200/MP900411759%5B1%5D.jpg" width="133" /></a>Skin is huge, literally and figuratively. Its importance should not be relegated to being a shiny, flawless canvas for make-up and shaving products designed to show one’s worth, but that’s exactly what it is in every magazine and television show. Skin is literally a barrier between us and the environment - a vital barrier. When it breaks down, it’s not that surprising that everything else does, too. Yet, we continue to layer on cosmetics and creams with known toxins (and some we don’t know about, because we allow companies to hide those ingredients under terms like “perfume” and “parfum”).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here’s the call to action, because I believe strongly in calls to action that result in more than a Like in Facebook or a retweet on Twitter. Change happens when people get chatty. Really, annoyingly chatty. We need to create more awareness about the importance and impact of eczema. We need articles in the press about eczema – it’s not contagious, it’s no reason to stare and it doesn’t make me a nerd. The fact that I’m a fan of Star Trek and Doctor Who makes me a nerd. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We need more research on eczema. We need more doctors who spend more time on atopic dermatitis, less time on cosmetic medicine and refuse to give up when a couple of creams don’t work. We need provincial and federal governments to acknowledge its devastating effects amongst all Canadians, notably Aboriginal populations. It’s no less than eczema deserves.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZxSszdcO1E/UMY7K5A6eWI/AAAAAAAAARI/_6HnovM0gfE/s1600/MP900431663%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">* Due to an increasingly busy work and volunteer schedule, AtopicGirl is going back to two posts a month. Thank you to everyone who’s kept in touch during my recent absence.</i></div>Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-56252279205996454592012-11-13T11:26:00.002-05:002012-11-13T11:27:32.528-05:00You Are Your Best Advocate<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last evening, I had the opportunity to give a speech at the Eczema Society of Canada's (ESC) Information Session in Toronto. The turnout was great and I was on a panel with the father of an infant with eczema, a dermatology nurse and a paediatric dermatologist. It was a great mix and represented a lot of different perspectives, from the clinic, to the patient with eczema, to the parent of a child with eczema.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It sounds cheesy to say it, but I was honoured to be asked and the experience of talking with people afterwards was amazing. I was in a group where everyone "got it". I will admit I got a bit teary, because I discussed a very difficult period of my life that I've never discussed outside of my family or very select friends. I questioned my choice of topic until the last minute, but as I gave the talk and I saw people nodding while they listened to my experiences, I knew it was the right one. The feedback I received after the event was amazing and I thank everyone who took a couple of minutes to come and say hi, tell me about their personal experiences or ask about my blog.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, here in a slightly modified form is the talk I gave last night:</span></span></i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Version>12.00</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:RelyOnVML/> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> 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mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I wrote a few different speeches with entirely different topics before I finally got to this version. I wrote one about what my day looks like. Practical, but boring. I also wrote one on the importance of government advocacy in the eczema community. That one was pretty hard to throw away, but a little too involved; so, I'm going to recycle it for my blog. <br /><br />I finally came to this draft after working on getting some social media exposure for this event and after attending the Canadian Skin Patient Alliance conference in October. I volunteered at the Eczema Society booth during the weekend and it was amazing how many different stories I heard. Some people viewed eczema as a nuisance condition and compared to skin conditions that can be life-threatening, like skin cancer, I can see why they’d say that. One person told me that she’d always thought it was something she had to just deal with, but coming to the conference made her realize that she was ready to do something about her eczema and take control of it. I also heard stories about children who wanted to handle their own skin care routines and about teenagers who were sick of dealing with it. I understand all of that.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In my mid-20s, I had an extremely severe eczema flare-up. It was literally disabling. I was taking large doses of Benadryl throughout the day and night. I couldn’t sleep, let alone work. I was unable to wear anything but the softest cotton clothes, and sometimes even that was too irritating. I didn’t see any of my friends for almost a year. The only contact I had outside of my immediate family and doctors was through email or phone.&nbsp; I was depressed and began seeing a psychiatrist again, recognizing that I needed help to cope. I refused to leave the house except to see my doctors who said that I just had eczema and there was nothing more they could do. But, I refused to accept this. I knew what my normal skin looked and felt like and that wasn’t even close. After begging&nbsp; one of my doctors to admit me to hospital, he decided on a much stronger course of action than anyone had been willing to pursue. Within a few months, my skin was back to “normal” – my normal.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">That period of my life was difficult and I do everything possible to make sure that it never happens again. I am vigilant about my skin health. I am and will always be my best advocate. If I don’t feel a doctor understands what I need from them, I explain and if they can't or won't understand, I find another one. If I don’t agree with or understand a recommended treatment, I ask questions and express my concerns. If a medication doesn’t work, I say so and try another one. My doctors are only part of my health care regimen. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I make decisions based on scientific evidence; so, while I don’t settle for less than I deserve, I’m also realistic and know that eczema is something that I will always have. For that reason, it's so important that I advocate for my health. It's my job to make sure that I work with my doctors and let them know what's going on in my health. It's my job to ask questions when I don't understand. It's my job to make sure that I follow instructions properly and stick to my regimen. No matter what happens with my eczema, u<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">ltimately, my health begins and ends with me.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>*NB While I am a support volunteer for ESC, I am in no way endorsed or supported by ESC. My views and opinions are my own.</i> </span></span></span></span></span></span>Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-59107760412533467372012-11-05T17:53:00.003-05:002012-11-05T17:59:26.757-05:00AtopicGirl's Little SecretFirst, I will apologize for my absence. I've moved a couple times and my time has been taken up with new jobs (yes, plural) and a lot of volunteer work. The latter is the point of this post.<br /><br />Over a year ago, when I started my blog and Twitter feed, I felt like there wasn't a lot of made-in-Canada information for people with food allergies and atopic conditions. That was a major reason why I started this. Happily, I realized I was wrong. There are great organizations like Anaphylaxis Canada, the Asthma Society and more.<br /><br />About a year ago, I found out about another social profit organization - <a href="http://www.eczemahelp.ca/">The Eczema Society of Canada</a>. I signed up for the newsletter and when the Executive Director, Amanda Cresswell-Melville, put out a call through the newsletters for support volunteers, I signed up. It felt right and I was ready to do more.<br /><br />So, in March I became a support volunteer. I've also had a post in the Summer Newsletter and had the amazing experience of volunteering at two events. The next events coming up are the Eczema Information Sessions in Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. I'll get back to that in a second.<br /><br />The Eczema Society of Canada (ESC) was founded in 1997 by Dr. Bernice Krafchik and a group of parents with the goals of education, awareness and supporting research. Currently, ESC holds patient sessions like the Eczema Information Sessions, provides educational pamphlets (in hard copies and online in both official languages) and has support volunteers available to help others with eczema, like us or our loved ones.<br /><br />My volunteer work, while it's just started, has been amazing. It's difficult to hear the struggles people have with eczema, but I do know that ESC is there to give hope and help in managing what can be a devastating condition. While growing up, I could have used a support group, or just someone to listen to "got it". For many people, eczema can a debilitating condition, physically and emotionally and ESC is there.<br /><br />For those reasons and a dozen others, I'm ecstatic that I'll be involved with the Eczema Information Session in <a href="http://www.eczemahelp.ca/media/TORONTO_Poster_2012.pdf">Toronto on November 12th</a>. There will be additional information sessions in <a href="http://www.eczemahelp.ca/media/MONTREAL_Poster_2012.pdf">Montreal on November 8th </a>and<a href="http://www.eczemahelp.ca/media/CALGARY_Poster_2012.pdf"> Calgary on November 22nd</a>. The events will include speakers, including a dermatologist, trial skin products, a free educational package, light refreshments, and a chance to ask questions to an expert panel. It's also a chance to meet other people with eczema, of all ages.<br /><br />If you or someone you know has eczema, please attend one of the sessions. If you're not able to do so, visit the <a href="http://www.eczemahelp.ca/">Eczema Society of Canada website</a> for comprehensive information about eczema management and to sign up for their newsletter.<br /><br />If you do decide to attend the <a href="http://www.eczemahelp.ca/media/TORONTO_Poster_2012.pdf">Toronto event</a>, please say hi!<br /><br /><br /><i>*NB While I am a support volunteer for ESC, I am in no way endorsed or supported by ESC. My views and opinions are my own.</i>Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-47145343367980284662012-10-08T10:47:00.001-04:002012-10-08T10:48:06.138-04:00Thanksgiving and Thankfulness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Version>12.00</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:RelyOnVML/> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u58wG8sQcgI/UHLnTC7fDPI/AAAAAAAAAQo/00za3JGhnuE/s1600/MP900430851%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u58wG8sQcgI/UHLnTC7fDPI/AAAAAAAAAQo/00za3JGhnuE/s200/MP900430851%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a>I know Thanksgiving is a North American thing and just to fragment that a little bit more, Canadian Thanksgiving is over a month before American Thanksgiving. Personally, that works well for us since coast-to-coast, Canada is stunning in autumn. Yup, there’s rain. But there are also gloriously sunny days when the weather is crisp, the air smells smoky and all the leaves are turning orange, yellow and (my favourite) red. 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5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">As someone with food allergies and all atopic conditions, you’d think that Thanksgiving might be a difficult time for me. The thing is, that I’m grateful for the allergies that I do have. I could have more. I could have ones that are more difficult to handle. As it is, it’s pretty easy for my family to create an allergy-free meal that we can all eat without feeling like they’re missing out anything. There are often some dishes with butter (but I get my own version) or desserts I can’t share in, but since we spend Thanksgiving in Ottawa, I have two great bakeries to choose from – <a href="http://auntieloostreats.ca/">Auntie Loo’s</a> (vegan with gluten-free options) and <a href="http://thimblecakes.ca/">Thimblecakes</a> (nut-free bakery with vegan and gluten-free – and more – options). So, I’m never at a loss and I don’t have to make my own dessert, though I’ve been eyeing an<a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/recipes/italian-plum-tart/article4551519/"> allergy-friendly plum tart</a> I saw in the Globe and Mail a while back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I don’t want to say that you should be thankful because “things could be worse”. That’s not all that optimistic. I’ve never loved the rationale that everyone in North America should be thankful because at least we’re not starving in Africa. There’s poverty throughout this continent and on every other continent, except Antarctica. Though at the rate we’re going, I’m a little worried about the penguin’s food supply.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">So, as people with food allergies, let’s consider all the people who don’t have the money to buy things like gluten-free products, dairy-free products and nut-free products. Food allergies are not a problem limited to those of middle- and upper-incomes. Children, adolescents and adults who can’t afford to eat both well and allergy-free need our help, our knowledge and our compassion. <br /><br />I really hope you contact your food bank and find out what food allergy-friendly food they can use throughout this year and contribute accordingly. Sometimes, that may mean simply donating money they can use to buy what’s needed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Happy Thanksgiving!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Just to get you started, here are a few webpages to find out more. No time like the present!</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Food Banks Canada (<a href="http://www.foodbankscanada.ca/">http://www.foodbankscanada.ca/</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Find a Food Bank (<a href="http://www.foodbankscanada.ca/utility-pages/find-a-food-bank.aspx">http://www.foodbankscanada.ca/utility-pages/find-a-food-bank.aspx</a>)</div>Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-35681205235684835942012-09-24T17:31:00.001-04:002012-09-24T17:31:38.479-04:00101 Ways to Prevent Asthma, Allergies, Eczema and HayfeverOkay, if you got here because you think I'm going to offer you advice on how to prevent anything, I'm not. The title is entirely facetious. If you've read my blog, you know that I don't believe in cures for non-curable conditions (atopy and allergies) and I don't offer medical advice.<br /><br />Recently, I had a brief Twitter discussion resulting from this BBC News article: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19514334">'Super soup" test in asthma trial</a>. It also followed a few discussions I had with some parents at a wedding a couple of weeks ago about the current "wisdom" regarding what mothers should eat during pregnancy to prevent their child developing a condition like asthma. For the moment, nuts seem to be the recommended food to eat during pregnancy.<br /><br />The Twitter discussion ended up with both of us agreeing that we'd love it if there were one resource in which a parent could access all the things they're supposed to do and not supposed to do during pregnant. The list could include get more Vitamin E in your diet, get a cat (but don't change the litter box), eat nuts, don't smoke, don't drink, limit your caffeine intake, etc.<br /><br />Since I have allergies and atopy, a list like this would be perfect for me since no matter what I do, should I have a child, he or she is very likely to have the same conditions. With one parent, the risk is 25 per cent, but risk is a funny thing. It doesn't mean that should I have four children only one would have the conditions. It means that every time I have a child, the risk is 25 per cent. Should the father have any allergic or atopic condition (even hayfever counts), that risks soars. Add in all the dos and don'ts and the fact that those change, and I think that a parent can do everything "right" and still end up with an atopic and/or allergic child.<br /><br />A few years ago, the prevailing "wisdom" said that delaying the introduction of priority allergen foods for children would prevent them from developing allergies. Milk seems to be the exception there, which is probably more of a lobbying effort than anything else. My sister did that with all of her children. No allergies. However, the current "wisdom" is totally opposite, though they do say to introduce solid foods later, rather than sooner.<br /><br />However, will the evidence suggest otherwise in a few years? Maybe. Probably. At a recent medical talk I attended, one of the doctors stated that "Medicine is an art". I've heard that said by many doctors, probably the better ones.<br /><br />But, can there be a list that tells us exactly what to do to prevent disease? Not right now, but I'd like to think there will be.Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-11501306496072059402012-09-17T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-17T09:00:07.779-04:00Atopic Girl's Week OffI am moving - physically, not social media-ly - so, the blog is on hold for the week. I will return as scheduled on Monday, September 24th. I will remain a bit quieter on Twitter this week, but if you tweet me I will reply. Same goes for email. If you're reading this and thinking, I wonder if AtopicGirl plans to cover <insert here="here" topic="topic">, there's only one way to find out. Email me or leave a comment below.</insert>Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-82191208679268983072012-09-10T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-12T00:46:57.727-04:00Atopic Girl's Weekend Off!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8YKfEObTd4/UE1gEsIMD8I/AAAAAAAAAQU/gnlVa_-GOuo/s1600/Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8YKfEObTd4/UE1gEsIMD8I/AAAAAAAAAQU/gnlVa_-GOuo/s200/Me.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>Being an "atopic" girl doesn't mean that I just think about allergies and atopy all day long. Honestly, I don't think about it all that much. Labour Day weekend was a great example of how I integrate the fact that I have allergies and atopy and love travelling, eating, shopping and having a great time in general. Nothing in that sentence excludes anything else. This is a bit of a longer post, but I hope it gives you an idea of how anyone with allergies or atopy can live pretty normally.<br /><br /><b>FRIDAY</b><br />I arrived in Toronto to meet my younger sister. The plan, have a manicure, have lunch with my sister and then go find her a dress for a glitzy Indian wedding on Saturday!<br /><br />At<a href="http://www.holtrenfrew.com/en/holt/twocolumn/footer/services/in-store/holts-salon-and-spa?promo_id=en|services|salon-spa"> Holt's Salon and Spa</a>, located at the flagship Holt Renfrew store on Bloor Street, I happily sat back and enjoyed my hand massage and Express Manicure. I've been there and know that none of the products contain my allergens. It's always good to check, especially if you have a new aesthetician.<br /><br />A bit later, my sister and I met up at <a href="http://www.freshrestaurants.ca/">Fresh on Bloor</a>, near Spadina. This is my favourite Fresh in Toronto. Even though I've been there about a hundred times by now, I still let them know about my allergies (leaving out eggs and shellfish, because they don't have them on site). I emphasized my allergy to cashews, since they use them in a couple of dishes, but made sure they knew that almonds are okay. As always, I had an allergy-free and really delicious meal - cornbread with hummus, Ninja rice bowl and a matcha green tea latte with almond milk to go. I was ridiculously full for hours.*<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QlUR9Z-Sx2k/UE1bgBWjZVI/AAAAAAAAAPs/WuZkKgArbps/s1600/M&amp;S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QlUR9Z-Sx2k/UE1bgBWjZVI/AAAAAAAAAPs/WuZkKgArbps/s200/M&amp;S.jpg" width="101" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All RentFrockRepeat!</td></tr></tbody></table>Fresh was followed by <a href="http://rentfrockrepeat.com/">RentFrockRepeat</a> on Golden Avenue, just off of Dundas Street West. It's about a 20 minute streetcar ride from St. Patrick Station. The premise of RFR is brilliant. Rent a designer dress for a totally reasonable price. If you live in or are visiting the GTA, you can go in and try on the dress. If not, the site has detailed measurements and you can even ask for a second size (for free) in case the first one doesn't fit. They ship the dress out to you and you ship it back. Have two events to attend during the same time period? Rent a second dress for $35. And, if you refer a friend, you get a credit towards a future dress rental. I know! Brilliant! I actually visited RentFrockRepeat a few weeks earlier to try on a stunning David Meister dress for the wedding in question. Happily, it went up for sale and I bought it. My sister decided to try it out and we spent an hour and half in RFR amongst too many stunning dresses. Everyone there is amazing and friendly. I couldn't have spent a better afternoon. We were super lucky and met the <a href="http://rentfrockrepeat.com/site/about/the-team/">CEO and Co-Founder, Lisa Delorme</a>. Yes, she's that stunning in person.<br /><br />That evening included mobile phones that weren't turned on and GO buses to suburbia. Thankfully, it also included a great martini from the bar in the lovely <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/royal-york-toronto/">Fairmont Royal York</a> and an easy, allergy-friendly meal from <a href="http://www.springrolls.ca/">Spring Rolls</a> in the Bramalea City Centre in Brampton. I love allergy-friendly chains and Spring Rolls is definitely one of them.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I'd forgotten to inform the hotel that we needed down-free bedding. While the hotel had somehow run out of synthetic fibre pillows, I found that some of the pillows in our room were synthetic and we ended up all right. Definite note for next time though. <br /><br /><b>SATURDAY</b><br />Breakfast was included and provided by the hotel, but I planned ahead and brought an allergy-friendly, travel-friendly protein powder (<a href="http://www.genuinehealth.com/vegan-proteins.html">Genuine Health Vegan Proteins</a>) which I could easily mix with orange juice. Thank goodness since they didn't even have fruit!<br /><br />If you've been following my blog or Twitter feed, you may know that I was expected to sing at a wedding. While I have a Grade 8 in Voice from the Royal Conservatory, I got it quite a while ago. So, even with my two months of vocal lessons, I was nervous. I practiced in the shower that morning and thankfully my voice wasn't hoarse and my asthma was under control. I will admit that I started off a bit shakily when I started singing in front of a packed church, but I bucked up and asthma-smasthma - I sang my heart out.<br /><br />Between the wedding and the reception, we need to grab a very late lunch. I headed to another allergy-friendly chain, <a href="http://www.moxies.ca/">Moxie's</a>, also at the Bramalea City Centre. The menu here changes so sometimes I have a lot of choices and sometimes not a lot. This time, I chose the Citrus Chicken to go and when the manager came out to speak with me, she let me know that the dish was totally free of all my allergens! I felt like I'd won a prize! It was delicious and I happily wolfed it down at the hotel.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLEZN2IeCAE/UE1e54Gul2I/AAAAAAAAAQM/0NdjTRLy0A4/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLEZN2IeCAE/UE1e54Gul2I/AAAAAAAAAQM/0NdjTRLy0A4/s200/dinner.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picture looks odd as it's sideways</td></tr></tbody></table>The reception was held at the <a href="http://www.pearsonconvention.com/">Pearson Convention Centre</a>. I called them months in advance to let them know about my allergies. The chefs are made aware of the allergies ahead of time and then on the day, guests are provided with colour-coded cards. I had a red card which listed all my allergies. The salad and pasta were safe, they just omitted the cheese on the latter. And the meal itself, beef, chicken and veggies, were easy and delicious without the sauce. Dessert was a martini glass of fresh fruit.<br /><br /><b>SUNDAY</b><br />The top off to a great weekend was brunch at <a href="http://www.ago.net/frank">Frank </a>at the AGO. I've been here a few times for drinks and appetizers, but never a meal. To celebrate my mother's birthday, the entire family got together (from as far flung as Peru and Ottawa) and had the best brunch I've ever had. When I made the reservation, I let them know about my allergies and was told that it wasn't a problem. Before we arrived, the server and the chef had a discussion about what would work. I had to reiterate my egg allergy, but once that was done, I found I had quite a few choices on the menu. I ended up with a beavertail bacon sandwich with apple butter which is even better than it sounds.<br /><br />That was my weekend. Pretty spectacular. I didn't let my eczema, asthma or food allergies get in my way. I stuck to my regimen - washed my face, used moisturizer, used <a href="http://atopicgirl.blogspot.ca/2011/07/shaving-and-saving-your-skin.html">save shaving tips</a>, and always double-checked food ingredients. That's the way to live an atopic life!<br /><br />* <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I went back to Fresh (on Bloor) on Tuesday and had a Miso Burger (a fave), a glass of organic wine and took a <a href="http://www.sweetsfromtheearth.com/">Sweets From the Earth</a> cupcake to go. You can never get bored at Fresh.</i></span>Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-3336051900871222122012-08-27T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-27T09:00:16.586-04:00Allergies & Atopy on TelevisionI've written a post with my PR cap on. This time, I'm writing it with my media cap on since I have a ridiculous amount of media education.<br /><br />I find it interesting whenever I see a character on television or in the movies who has an allergy, asthma or more rarely eczema. So, I've taken a quick look at some television allergics and atopics. I can't say that I like what I see.<br /><br />1.<b> Being Erica</b> - This show, about a time-travelling Toronto girl (in a very un-multicultural Toronto, might I add), had a lead character with a hazelnut allergy. She ends up in the ER in the first episode because she accepts a sample of coffee which turns out to have hazelnuts in it. Erica ate out, but never mentioned her allergy and she certainly didn't carry an auto-injector around with her. It was just a lazy, plot device to make her life seem even worse. At least she wasn't a stereotype like the following examples.<br /><br />2.<b> Big Bang Theory</b> - I enjoy this show, though I don't go out of my way to watch it. I get the shirts that Sheldon wears and I giggled girlishly when Neil deGrasse-Tyson made a guest appearance. What bugs me about this show is that allergies and eczema are seen as part and parcel of being a geek or nerd. Leonard has lactose-intolerance which makes for some boring fart jokes. Sheldon has eczema which is seen as part of his anal attitude. Wolowitz has a severe peanut allergy (and yet no auto-injector), which resulted in a very disturbing ER scene which was meant as a joke.<br /><br />3.<b> The Simpsons</b> - Poor, gawky, geeky Milhouse carries around his blue puffer like an addict. Any little thing could set him off and he has to take a dose. On one episode, Bart steals Milhouse's puffer to use like an oxygen tank. I won't even bother trying to critique that one. On another episode, Bart develops a temporary eczema-like condition on his scalp and it just contributes to his transformation into a geek.<br /><br />4. <b>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</b> - Geeky and a member of the wanna-be villainous Trio in the latter seasons, Jonathan is allergic to methane. My unscientific guess is that you can't be allergic to methane, but a hyper-sensitive geek has to be allergic to something. I can't even imagine how you'd test for that. Plus, depending on the parts per million, methane is a toxic gas. Therefore, it will kill anyone. Sorry Joss Whedon! I mostly love your stuff, but try again.<br /><br />5. <b>VEEP</b> - White House employee and impossible to like Jonah is fructose-intolerant. No, it's not an allergy and yes, the condition does exist. Funny that the most annoying character has it. Not funny that the reaction from his co-workers is "Just when you thought he couldn't get any weirder, he did" since allergic and atopic conditions don't make one weird.<br /><br />I don't watch a lot of television, but everyone has an image of the coke-bottled little geek puffing away from his blue inhaler or a nasally-voiced child whining that he can't eat peanuts, shellfish and a million other things that make him sound like the last person you'd want at your party. The kid with eczema is always just kinda gross.<br /><br />Allergies and atopic conditions are becoming increasingly common and it would be nice if television writers could do their jobs and be creative <i>and</i> funny. Out-dated stereotypes as fodder for "humour" are boring and cheap. If writers can't use their imagination to write funny yet responsible portrayals of people with allergies and atopy, best not to write them at all.<br /><br />While my examples are shows geared towards older teens and adults, I don't think it's fair for this kind of ill-informed stigma to be placed on young children. These aren't choices made in order to be difficult or to annoy people. No one would choose to have a life-threatening reaction to a Montreal-style bagel with cream cheese and lox; so, I cannot fathom how writers and some viewers are able to find humour in something that can cause pain, suffering and death.<br /><br /><b>Further Information:</b><br /><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/246529.php">How Kids With Asthma are Stigmatized by the Media </a><br /><br />Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-31156785971093258092012-08-20T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-20T09:00:04.618-04:00Easy, Allergy-Friendly Chili BurritosI promise I'm not going to make a habit of posting recipes, but this one was just too easy. It's a bit of a non-recipe, since I'm not going through all the steps, but I loved the result I got from leftovers.<br /><br />The story is that I had leftovers components after making quesadillas. I had been thinking about making burritos and looked up some recipes. All of a sudden it occured to me that I had some leftover chili. So, this is the "recipe":<br /><br /><b>Easy Chili Burritos</b><br /><i>Makes 1</i><br /><i>Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, peanut-free, shellfish-free<b> </b>&amp;<b> </b>fish-free<br /></i><br /><i>Can be soy-free, gluten-free, vegan</i><br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><i>Your favourite chili recipe</i><br /><i>Tortilla shells (small- or medium-sized)</i><br /><i>Daiya Cheese-style Shreds (Mozzarella, Cheddar or Pepper Jack) </i><br /><i>Fresh coriander (optional, but highly recommended)</i><br /><i>La Bomba or your favourite hot sauce (optional) </i><br /><i>Your favourite salsa</i><br /><i>Baking sheet</i><br /><i>Aluminum foil </i><br /><br />1. <b>Turn the oven to 350 F.</b> I don't preheat for this. By the time you assemble one burrito, the oven is probably hot enough.<br />2. <b>Place a medium-sized piece of aluminum foil </b>on your baking sheet. It should be large enough to totally wrap one folded burrito.<br />3. <b>Place one tortilla shell </b>on the aluminum foil, in the centre.<br />4. <b>Place a good teaspoon</b> (or two) of La Bomba or your favourite hot sauce on the tortilla. Make sure to keep it mostly central. The amount you use totally depends on how hot you want it. <br />5. <b>Spoon a couple tablespoons of your favourite chili</b> onto the centre of your tortilla. Don't overfill.<br />6. <b>Lay a few coriander leaves</b> on top of the chili. If you love coriander, 5-7 or more will do.<br />7. <b>Sprinkle your choice of Daiya</b> Cheese-style Shreds on top.<br />8. <b>Wrap your tortilla.</b> Fold over the bottom and the top and while holding those down, fold over the sides so they overlap the bottom and top and you end up with a wrap. <br />9. <b>Holding that closed, wrap the sides </b>and then the top and bottom of the aluminum foil around your burrito. This keeps it nice and tight and you'll end up with a sealed burrito when you're done<br />10. <b>Turn over the burrito package</b> so the seam side of the burrito is down.<br />11. <b>Pop in the oven</b> for 10 minutes.<br />12. <b>If you like a nice brown top, turn on the broiler</b> (don't worry about pre-heating), unwrap the foil so the top is exposed and bake for another 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully. You can also sprinkle a little extra Daiya and get a bubbly, cheesy topping.<br />13. <b>Serve with your favourite (warmed) salsa</b> and a side salad.<br /><br />C'est tout. Enjoy! If you're a singleton like me, this is an easy, yummy and not entirely unhealthy dinner for any night of the week. Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-4203567682896295232012-08-13T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-13T09:00:18.025-04:00Vocal Lessons, the Olympics and Asthma<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_r-BAsatbG8/UCgc6szidhI/AAAAAAAAAPE/q6UWQ8piZe4/s1600/MP900409066%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Well, the Olympics is finished, the Paralympics is about to begin and I am only two weeks of singing lessons away from singing at a wedding. Since you're probably asking what an international amateur sport competition has to do with singing lessons, I'll get into it quickly.<br /><br />Briefly, in my early 20s, I was a fairly decent singer. I got my Grade 8 from the Royal Conservatory of Music, was accepted into a semi-pro choir (though couldn't join), asked and hired to sing at weddings and if there was one thing I was confident about, it was that I could sing well. Over a decade later, my voice hasn't gotten much exercise and singing is something I'm no longer confident about. So, when I was asked to sing at wedding recently, I knew I had to take lessons again. Unfortunately, my asthma is now an issue. I simply don't have the lung capacity I did when I was younger. I'm also suffering from intermittent hoarseness which I will bring up with my doctor shortly.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zi1t63UhteQ/UCgc-HM5PjI/AAAAAAAAAPM/LDp0O0QDQkM/s1600/MP900424397%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zi1t63UhteQ/UCgc-HM5PjI/AAAAAAAAAPM/LDp0O0QDQkM/s200/MP900424397%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a>What got me thinking about the connection between singing and sports was this article from the Globe and Mail - <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/fitness/why-asthma-doesnt-stop-elite-athletes/article4445211/?cmpid=rss1">Why Asthma Doesn't Stop Elite Athletes</a>. While the increased prevalence of asthma amongst athletes may be caused by the fact that they often train in very polluted environments, asthma seems to have no impact on their results. In fact, athletes with asthma are well-represented in medal counts. Why doesn't asthma stop these athletes? Researchers pinpointed that the extensive warm-ups performed actually gave a protective effect against broncho-constriction. In other words, proper warm-ups and exercising are good for asthma. It's something doctors have been increasingly telling their asthma patients after decades of saying the opposite, but it's something that needs repeating.<br /><br />Regarding singing, I've started to increase my physical workout hoping to increase my lung capacity. I won't warm-up with an exercise routine directly before vocal practice for various reasons, but I hope by practicing daily (when I'm not suffering from hoarseness) and exercising, I can restore my voice and help my lungs and asthma out in the process. The lesson here is an old one - use it or lose it.Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-19363357326970916772012-08-04T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-04T09:00:00.717-04:00Happy Food Allergen Labelling Day!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7f_sshpRh6g/UBwJ5ZMDYeI/AAAAAAAAAOg/lIi6mll5eEQ/s1600/MP900409745%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7f_sshpRh6g/UBwJ5ZMDYeI/AAAAAAAAAOg/lIi6mll5eEQ/s200/MP900409745%5B1%5D.jpg" width="132" /></a> Today, August 4th, is the day that new food allergen labelling comes into effect in Canada. Definitely a good reason to post early*. Advocates from across the country and from many allergy advocacy groups have been working to get to this stage for years. So, it's impressive and very welcome.<br /><br />The question is what does it mean? I can't possibly cover everything, but I will point out a few changes. <br /><br />First, there are improvements regarding the clarity of what priority allergens are included. "Contains" means that the allergen is an ingredient deliberately used in the product. Statements like "may contain" or "manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts" are considered "precautionary labelling" and are <b>not covered</b> under the new labelling law. If these are included, it is done voluntarily by the company. It's also important to note that labelling laws in Canada are not the same for foods produced elsewhere; so, please continue to use caution when buying imported foods. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUIdDF7YPKw/UBwJ644LyGI/AAAAAAAAAOo/uc24iL8ffPc/s1600/MP900448504%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUIdDF7YPKw/UBwJ644LyGI/AAAAAAAAAOo/uc24iL8ffPc/s200/MP900448504%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a>Second, the priority allergens contained in food (i.e. seasonings) have to be spelled out. So, if your allergen(s) or intolerance(s) fall within the Big 9, which includes sulphites, gluten and now mustard seeds, you're in luck. For example, for people with egg or soy allergies, you don't have to call the company to find out what type of lecithin is in your product any longer. However, if you have an allergy to garlic or cinnamon, your allergen may still be hidden.<br /><br />Third, any wine dated from 2012 and onwards is required to list any of the priority allergens on the label. Fining agents (i.e. egg, dairy and fish proteins) are often used in the production of wine; however, not everyone with a shellfish or egg allergy will react. Vintage wines, 2011 and before, will still maintain the same labels. This makes sense of course. It's hard to grandfather this sort of thing and according to Health Canada, no traces of allergen protein were found in a random sampling of 100 bottles of wine which followed "good manufacturing practices"; so, there is no huge risk to the allergic population. However, in cases where these practices are not followed (i.e.: proper filtration), proteins can be found in sufficient quantities to trigger a reaction. According to Health Canada, should proteins not exist in the wine, no labelling is required, even if the allergens were used as fining agents. However, should the proteins be present after filtration, then the new allergen labelling must be applied. Sulphites will also be listed on the label where present.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_l4vutoonIA/UBwKhWWN4OI/AAAAAAAAAOw/rWp0D96XQxI/s1600/MP900443861%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_l4vutoonIA/UBwKhWWN4OI/AAAAAAAAAOw/rWp0D96XQxI/s200/MP900443861%5B1%5D.jpg" width="133" /></a>However, what's true for wine is not true for beer. Beer is considered "standardized" - made up of relatively similar ingredients, no matter the brand or type of beer. However, beer can contain allergens (besides gluten) and sulphites; so, it is still up to the allergic consumer to be careful of what they drink. For a list of some beers which contain allergens, read Elizabeth Goldenberg's 2011 post "Allergic to Beer or Wine?" on her OneSpot blog. What is important to note is that beer labelling is not considered a "done deal"; so, write your MP and the Minister of Health, <a href="http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/contact/ahc-asc/minist-eng.php">Leona Aglukkaq</a>, to let them know you want allergen labelling for beer.&nbsp; <br /><br />That is a very brief overview of the new allergen labelling regulations. I encourage you to read up on the new labelling to find out how it impacts you and your family and if you find an error, contact the <a href="http://www.inspection.gc.ca/eng/1297964599443/1297965645317/">Canadian Food Inspection Agency</a>. Personally, I will still read all the ingredients, not just the "Contains" section, even though my allergens are all priority ones. It's just another tool I'll use to make sure my foods are safe.<br /><br />In the end, this is an amazing step forward. Still, we shouldn't stop here. The end goal for the allergic community should be to make sure that no food has hidden ingredients. As consumers, we deserve to know exactly what we're putting into our bodies.<br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>* This post takes the place of next week's Monday post. Regularly scheduled AtopicGirl posts will return on Monday, August 13th.</i><br /><br /><b>Sources</b><br /><a href="http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/label-etiquet/allergen/index-eng.php">Food Allergen Labelling</a> - Health Canada&nbsp; <br /><a href="http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/label-etiquet/allergen/vintage-wine-vin-millesimes-eng.php">Vintage Wine and Application of Enhanced Allergen Regulations</a> - Health Canada<br /><a href="http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/label-etiquet/allergen/project_1220_qa_qr-eng.php">Questions and Answers About the New Regulations to Enhance the Labelling of Food Allergens, Gluten and Added Sulphites</a> - Health CanadaAtopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-86741958963133593102012-07-30T14:12:00.000-04:002012-07-30T14:15:11.880-04:0010-ish Things Allergic & Atopic People Don't Want to HearIf you read my blog, you know I've had allergies and atopy for a very long time. So, I've had to tell a lot of people about my conditions. This has certainly become easier as I've gotten older, but there are still some things I really dislike hearing. I don't dislike a lot of things, but inconsiderate remarks certainly make the grade. Here's my top ten list of things people have actually said with responses I wish I'd said. Of course, I'm far too polite to actually say them, but I've definitely thought them. Like my post <a href="http://atopicgirl.blogspot.com/2012/04/10-great-things-about-being-allergic.html">10 Great Things About Being Allergic &amp; Atopic</a>, this is tongue-in-cheek and meant light-heartedly.<br /><br />1. Oh my god. If I couldn't eat <b><i>(insert food allergen here)</i></b>, I'd die. <i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>Personally, I find that the threat of death is pretty good for my self-control.</i><br /><br />2. You're allergic to eggs, nuts, milk and shellfish? Wow! I guess you couldn't have a peanut butter and shrimp milkshake with an egg. Ha-ha-ha!<i> </i><i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>Yeah, I guess not. Tragic, really. Sounds lovely.</i><br /><br />3. You must not<i> </i>be able to eat anything at all! <i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>Yes, that's right. I live on water and air. I'm like a hydroponic plant. Military scientists are actually trying to clone me.</i><br /><br />4<i>. </i>Well, you don't look sick. <i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>That's because I'm not sick. I'm probably healthier than you are and a have a lower risk of certain types of cancer, though it would be impolite to point that out; so, I won't.</i><br /><br />5. You're allergic to all of that? What on earth do you eat? <i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>Food.</i><br /><br />6. So can you eat cheese or butter? <i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>Last time I checked, those were made of milk; so, no.</i><br />How about cream cheese? <i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>Still made of milk.</i><br />Pizza?<br /><i>Without cheese.</i><br />So, I guess you can't have cheesecake. <i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>You do know that milk doesn't grow in cartons, right?</i><br /><br />7. Well, there's a just a little bit of egg on it. <i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>Well, I guess I'll just have a little bit of anaphylaxis then. Thank you.</i><br /><br />8.&nbsp; That must be absolutely horrible.<i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>I would think that living without clean water and access to food and education would be horrible. I guess everyone has different priorities.</i><br /><br />9. Your skin looks wonderful!<br /><i>I'm wearing make-up.</i><br />Still, it's beautiful. You're glowing. <i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>Honestly, it's the make-up.</i><br />But, the texture is wonderful.<i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>Oh....well, I...um, thank you.</i> (Okay, that's clearly one I love hearing. Anyone is welcome to tell me that anytime. You can stop me on the street and tell me that and I'll probably give you a hug or pay for your child's university tuition. One child per compliment.)<br /><br />10.Wow, you're such a survivor!<i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>Being that I've never been stranded on a desert island or survived a plane crash in the Arctic, I don't see how that's the case.*</i><br /><br />11. You should live in a bubble. Ha-ha! <i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>A bubble, huh? Haven't heard that one before. Really quite original. Really. Hysterical even.</i><br /><br />12. You must have a PhD. in Pain. <i>&nbsp;</i><br /><i>Notwithstanding the fact that you're using a quote from The Simpsons seriously, I don't think that "Pain" is a recognized discipline at any university in the world.</i><br /><br />That's the end of the list. Obviously, I'm not advocating that anyone respond to any of these types of ignorant remarks in a rude or sarcastic fashion. As difficult as it may be, it's better to stay calm and explain that the comment in question is not appropriate. Remember a lot of people try to use "humour" in situations where they feel uncomfortable or don't know how to respond. If you have allergies or atopy, you're an ambassador and it's an opportunity to make people think differently and openly. The best thing we can do is educate others (and joke around on blogs).<br /><br />Is there something you really dislike hearing? Let me know what it is and how you handle it. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*NB: I personally do not like being labelled as survivor. I have been rather fortunate and find the term overly-dramatic for my situation. However, I don't begrudge others with more severe conditions or experiences who wish to use this term as it's likely more apt in their cases.</span>Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-36646215430795119722012-07-23T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-23T09:00:21.812-04:00Keeping Cool With Eczema<div style="color: #134f5c;"><i><b>Summer Tips for Atopic Skin</b></i></div><br />I'll be honest. Summer has never been one of my favourite seasons. I'm not a big fan of heat in general. I have no reason to tan, since I've got a built-in self-tanner. Most importantly, I have eczema. My skin doesn't respond well to heat and I'm a bit self-conscious about my skin. Most of my body isn't one colour due to the trauma of eczema. I have areas of hyperpigmentation (lots of pigment and therefore quite dark) and depigmentation (almost no pigment and therefore very white). Plus, shaving isn't always my best friend and can sometimes be an eczema trigger.<br /><br />However, after all these years, I've found some ways of managing it. I will admit that it's probably easier for girls than boys, simply because girls wear a lot of different styles that men generally don't. However, men don't have to worry about shaving their legs. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t7xppTsn5mM/UAxWG4HWZ_I/AAAAAAAAAL4/muFMiS7WP0g/s1600/MP900430522%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t7xppTsn5mM/UAxWG4HWZ_I/AAAAAAAAAL4/muFMiS7WP0g/s200/MP900430522%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Tip 1: Keep it sheer.</b> A tank top covered by a loose, sheer long-sleeved top is a great way to keep cool and covered. Since too much sun exposure is damaging for everyone, this is a great option for anyone, eczema or not.<br /><br /><b>Tip 2: Skirts &amp; Dresses.</b> No matter the length, these are a great way to get through the summer months. Right now, I've worked my way up to wearing knee-length skirts and dresses, but I have a great collection of calf-length and ankle-length. The latter is great for days when shaving is just not an option.<br /><br /><b>Tip 3: Linen pants</b>. A pair of loose-fitting linen pants is also an unshaved leg's best friend. If your skin is acting up, it's also not irritating to the skin. The only thing is that linen is incredibly flammable; so, keep away from bonfires.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WN5sKsFG6Wk/UAxWN_zNS2I/AAAAAAAAAMA/WELr09TqKms/s1600/MP900444067%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WN5sKsFG6Wk/UAxWN_zNS2I/AAAAAAAAAMA/WELr09TqKms/s200/MP900444067%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Tip 4: Light fabrics.</b> Cotton is one of the best fabrics for atopic skin. Thin weaves allow the most breathability, while still feeling comfortable. So, when you're shopping for summer clothes, ditch the heavy cotton shirts and find something light.<br /><br /><b>Tip 5: Accept what you have.</b> I have very noticeable pigmentation issues on my elbows. Those are never going to go away. Plus, I recently developed <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002433/">keratosis pilaris</a> on my upper arms, a formerly eczema-free zone. However, there is no way I'm going to give up t-shirts or sleeveless shirts. It's not worth it to me.<br /><br /><b>Tip 6: Skincare.</b> In addition to your existing skincare regime, use sunscreen (physical, not chemical) and take a water mister with you. Sweat irritates atopic skin and a thorough misting with cool water can really help. I use <a href="http://www.aveneusa.com/thermal-spring-water/">Avène Thermal Spring Water</a>. Throughout the summer, it's part of my allergy/atopy kit.<br /><br />Do you have tips to get through summer with your skin intact? Let me know in the comments!Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-68674865774526921172012-07-16T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-16T09:01:53.709-04:00Why You Should Eat Foods Your Allergic Child Can't<div style="color: #134f5c;"><i><b>An Atopic Girl's Perspective on "Disordered Eating" </b></i></div><br />This post was inspired by reading yet another amazing post by the Allergist Mom: <a href="http://theallergistmom.com/2012/07/12/my-disordered-eating/">"My Disordered Eating"</a>. One of the questions asked is do you avoid eating food your child is allergic to? Part of the answer is related to guilt, since what person wouldn't feel guilty about eating something that someone they care about can't? Another part of the answer is related to contamination and introducing the allergen into the home, but I'm not going to address that since it varies so much. I'm simply writing from the perspective of someone who watches others eat foods I can't on a regular basis.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tuVyLNi0QVk/UAQO75JRUJI/AAAAAAAAALs/3zcVCVRuI08/s1600/MP900386369%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tuVyLNi0QVk/UAQO75JRUJI/AAAAAAAAALs/3zcVCVRuI08/s200/MP900386369%5B1%5D.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fqz4RKUGPc4/UAH6Rz8P8xI/AAAAAAAAALg/OX6UOaJaZXw/s1600/MP900430476%5B1%5D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>In the post, there is a picture of the Allergist Mom eating a deviled egg and enjoying it. I love this picture. I think it's so important that parents and siblings are not restricted, as much possible, regarding what they eat. <br /><br />One of the most important lessons an allergic child, youth or adult has to learn is the difference between fairness and equality. The world is not a particularly fair place for anyone nor is it necessarily equal. However, when it comes to food, equality is the goal. Having an equal experience doesn't mean that the person gets to have the same food as everyone else. It does mean that they partake in the experience equally - a birthday party, an anniversary or a dinner out. They're not left staring at an empty plate while everyone else is enjoying a meal.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1aTXgWaX9Uo/UAH6QNpv_fI/AAAAAAAAALY/fDkaIcZM3w4/s1600/MP900400612%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1aTXgWaX9Uo/UAH6QNpv_fI/AAAAAAAAALY/fDkaIcZM3w4/s200/MP900400612%5B1%5D.jpg" width="159" /></a>Another reason is the basic fact that if you're not allergic, you shouldn't stop eating a food. Especially if you enjoy it. Especially when you're out of the house, that is your opportunity to enjoy yourself. Any parent of an allergic child lives with a constant degree of stress and guilt. If an ice cream cone or a slice of pizza brings you a bit of happiness, it's silly to deny it.<br /><br />So, if it's not physically harmful, I think it's important for children and youth to see that their parents and siblings eat different foods. It was difficult for me as a child, but as I got older, the fact is that I got used to it. Most importantly, I love the food I can eat; so, I rarely look at anyone else's and wish It were mine. In fact, people usually look at my meal and wish it was theirs.<br /><br /><i>Quick note: I will now be posting weekly. Look for new posts every Monday on AtopicGirl's Guide to Living and the <a href="http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/blog/category/member-bloggers/atopicgirls-blog/">TalkHealth blog</a>. As always, if you have something you'd like me to talk about - something you want to know - let me know.</i>Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-8072711172853111732012-07-09T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-09T09:00:11.716-04:00Why You Need to Know More Than An ER DocThis post was inspired by a conversation with some great people who work for an amazing allergy-related social profit organization Canada. At one point, we discussed the misconceptions and misinformation that even some medical professionals have about anaphylaxis. I've certainly been told some odd and incorrect things by people with an M.D. after their names:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbHpe0swo9k/T_ojJL5DgPI/AAAAAAAAALM/VapmcxD4BsY/s1600/MP900442421%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbHpe0swo9k/T_ojJL5DgPI/AAAAAAAAALM/VapmcxD4BsY/s200/MP900442421%5B1%5D.jpg" width="131" /></a>1. <i>If you administer your auto-injector, you don't need to go to the ER.</i> <b>FALSE!</b> It's not magic. It just buys you time. Many people need additional medications, including more epinephrine. You are literally risking your life if you don't call an ambulance and head to the hospital.<br />2. <i>Vomit the food back up and you'll be fine.</i> <b>VERY FALSE!</b> If your throat is closing up, you risk choking or aspirating on your own vomit, making the situation even worse.<br />3. The third issue was that a paediatric doctor I know didn't know how to use an injector in practice and so injected it and let go immediately. While any amount of epinephrine is better than none, hold down that auto-injector for up to 10 seconds. The pressure also helps prevent silly amounts of bleeding.<br /><br />So, that discussion led to my quick grievance about the lack of an anaphylaxis protocol in ERs. I have mentioned this before and firmly believe that anyone at risk of anaphylaxis should come up with an ER plan in conjunction with their immunologist or allergist. That plan should be communicated to friends and family in case the person is not able to communicate. Put it on paper and keep it in your allergy kit.<br /><br />The reason behind this is because ER doctors have done everything from give me salbutomol and nothing else (my asthma does not act up during an anaphylactic attack) to giving me a diphenhydramine drip and then discharging me after two hours even though I was still symptomatic. The recommended minimum is four hours and there was no mention of taking diphenhydramine or watching for secondary reactions for 24-72 hours. One doctor rudely asked me what I wanted him to do while my throat was closing up and no medication had been administered by ER staff. I show no external signs of anaphylaxis; so, this may explain some of the oddities I've experienced, but there's definitely no good excuse.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgQk6trQBto/T_ojHH29N-I/AAAAAAAAALE/aHsZEnUsaCo/s1600/MP900442272%5B1%5D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgQk6trQBto/T_ojHH29N-I/AAAAAAAAALE/aHsZEnUsaCo/s200/MP900442272%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a>Despite all of that, I do not blame ER doctors. They're unfathomably busy and have to deal with such a myriad of conditions and patients. Mistakes happen, but not because doctors are reckless or don't care. They happen because they may not have enough specific training (consider the likelihood of knowing every disease and its treatment in the world. Gregory House M.D. is fictionally crazy after all.) or because areas like ERs and ORs involve a lot of people, responsibilities, stress and various, ever-changing situations. If a doctor has a patient crashing in one room, the girl whose face isn't swollen and looks just fine will not seem like a priority, even if she should be triaged as though she is.<br /><br />Specific steps need to be taken upon admittance and post-care. Doctors also need to realize that anaphylaxis does not look the same in everyone. Even the same patient can react differently at different times. Just as there are now checklists for ORs to ensure that protocols exist and are followed (developed by WHO), I would like to see protocols developed for the ER. This takes a lot of the guesswork away from already busy individuals who should be the poster adults for multi-tasking. Where there is uncertainty, there are errors. Too many people died from asthma attacks in Ontario before proper triage and treatment protocols were developed. So, let's take away the uncertainty.<br /><br />I will not delve into my opinions of what that protocol should look like, because I am not a medical professional. However, should this post be read by some hospital administrator somewhere, please make a plan. If I know what it should like, your staff can draft it pretty quickly. If you have anaphylaxis or care for someone who has it, make a plan with your immunologist. I'd like to say you can trust an ER doctor with this, but it's just not a certainty.Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-61673994796662928192012-06-28T09:00:00.000-04:002012-06-29T01:39:10.087-04:00Haddock, Chickpea & Potato Patties (My Attempt At A Recipe)If you've read some of my posts or my <a href="http://atopicgirl.blogspot.ca/p/faqs.html">FAQ</a> section, you know that while I love working with recipes, I have never tried to document any of my kitchen experiments. While I say that it's because I'm lazy, it's not really. I love cooking and I love great recipes whether they're complex or simple (check out <a href="http://gojee.com/">gojee.com</a>), but while I'm methodical and a perfectionist about some things, making recipes just isn't one of them. I'm happy to rely on other people who do it better than I do and remain a bit of a free spirit in the kitchen.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCermV9pilo/T-uBjjc_KxI/AAAAAAAAAKg/3ozXwLxCGeg/s1600/Halibut+Chickpea+and+Potato+patties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCermV9pilo/T-uBjjc_KxI/AAAAAAAAAKg/3ozXwLxCGeg/s200/Halibut+Chickpea+and+Potato+patties.jpg" width="200" /></a>However, this one worked out well and it's fairly simple. Plus, my teaser post on Twitter garnered a recipe request from eos_girl; so, if you like it, send your thanks her way. While it was my dinner, I think it would work splendidly as an appetizer or hors d'oeuvres. Making them a bit larger and serving with a lovely green salad or in a pita would be spectacular, too. I currently have a jar of Aki's Fine Foods Coriander Chutney in the fridge; so, I tried it with that and it was spectacular. If you're allergic to fish or just don't eat it, skip that part and add cooked quinoa and whatever spices you like. If you don't have haddock, I was initially going to do this with cod; so, I'm sure it would be lovely, too.<br /><br />Anyway, here goes:<br /><br /><b>Haddock, Chickpea &amp; Potato Patties with Coriander Chutney</b><br /><i>Makes 14-ish</i><br /><br /><i>1 1/2 large haddock filets, poached, skin removed, chopped into chunks</i><br /><i>1 can of chickpeas, drained</i><br /><i>1 medium-sized potato, roughly chopped and boiled (skin removed after boiling)</i><br /><i>1 1/4 cup panko</i><br /><i>2 cloves of garlic (or more depending on your preference), smashed and roughly diced</i><br /><i>Thumb-sized piece of ginger, skins removed, roughly diced</i><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KN177LbNCA/T-uCHDOpd4I/AAAAAAAAAKo/2VrZZjRUCOg/s1600/MP900049568%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KN177LbNCA/T-uCHDOpd4I/AAAAAAAAAKo/2VrZZjRUCOg/s200/MP900049568%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a><i>3-4 scallions, thinly sliced</i><br /><i>1/4 medium red onion, roughly chopped </i><br /><i>Canola oil for frying</i><br /><i>1 - 1 1/2 tsps of salt (depending on your preference)</i><br /><i>A couple of dashes of pepper (depending on your preference)&nbsp;</i><br /><i>Coriander chutney (found in Indian stores) </i><br /><br />1. <b>Poach the fish</b> in water until cooked and boil the potato until soft enough to mash.<br />&nbsp;2. <b>Combine all ingredients</b>, <i>except for the canola oil</i>, in a food processor. Give it a few turns so everything is combined. It's lovely to see bits of scallion and whole chickpeas in the finished patty; so, don't be too particular. Make sure to spoon down the sides and toss the mixture a bit to ensure everything is combined evenly, especially the salt.<br />3. <b>Make patties about palm-sized</b> and about 3/4s of an inch thick. I ended up with about 14.<br />4. <b>Preheat pan on medium-high heat</b> with a few good glugs of canola oil. The patties shouldn't be swimming since you don't want to deep-fry them, but there should be a decent coating of oil on the pan.<br />5. <b>Cook 3-4 minutes on each side.</b> You'll have to watch it very carefully at this point to ensure it doesn't burn and that you're cooking it all the way through. The sign that one side is done is a just visible pillar of white smoke coming from the pan, but way before you smell anything burning. A good sign that a side is done is that it should be a deep, crispy brown.<br />6. <b>Place on paper towels</b> to absorb some of the extra oil.<br />7. <b>Continue to add oil as needed and fry</b> remaining patties. <br />8. <b>Serve warm with a coriander chutney</b>. If you can't find it premade or just prefer to make your own, there are a lot of recipes on the internet and it's quite easy to make. Its claim to fame is as a partner to samosas. Yum.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xurXmtPDg10/T-uCJKV27OI/AAAAAAAAAK4/ZFsk3lMCb6I/s1600/MP900402510%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xurXmtPDg10/T-uCJKV27OI/AAAAAAAAAK4/ZFsk3lMCb6I/s200/MP900402510%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a>That's it! My first recipe and proof that I should never make recipes. Feel free to play with this one especially if it's not looking right. This was just a result of having some haddock that needed to be used and I'd already been thinking about making a chickpea/edamame patty but didn't have all the ingredients I needed. I'm pretty happy I was out of limes!<br /><br />One note, I didn't add any hot spices because I was keeping it simple. Coriander chutney can be spicy; so, if you're going to eat the patties with the chutney, best to either not add any chilies or to just add a bit. <br /><br />If you cook this, let me know how it goes!Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-53165057028649434602012-06-18T07:35:00.000-04:002012-06-18T13:05:48.326-04:00Atopy and Ocular Conditions<div style="color: #134f5c;"><i><b>Why Your Optometrist Should Know You're Atopic </b></i></div><br /><i>Before I continue, I would like stress that <b>nothing you read here should cause you to stop using your medications as prescribed</b>. I am not a medical professional and I am not providing medical advice. These are things you must discuss with your doctor. The only thing that should change is that you should make an effort to get regular ocular screenings (i.e.: See your optometrist!). <br /></i><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IxbUaGyLbqM/T9yEcu139TI/AAAAAAAAAKU/mYVhC5eoNmY/s1600/MP900448344%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IxbUaGyLbqM/T9yEcu139TI/AAAAAAAAAKU/mYVhC5eoNmY/s200/MP900448344%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a>It's not something my dermatologists or immunologists have ever discussed with me. Until I started working in an ophthalmic practice, I had no idea that there was a link between atopy and certain eye conditions. My optometrists certainly never asked if I had eczema or asthma. It turns out the two seemingly disparate fields are connected.<br /><br />People with atopic conditions <u>may</u> be at risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma due to the use of steroids. However, the actual risk is difficult to quantify. The data and evidence isn't there yet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the risk of developing cataracts is well-known with oral steroids, but less clear and sometimes contradictory regarding inhaled and nasal-spray corticosteroids.<br /><br />The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology answered this question as recently as March 2012. However, even their response was tempered. The data does not exist to support a clear answer either way. One of the recommendations included in the abstracts contained in the article is that steroid nasal sprays should remain prescription medications to ensure monitoring by a medical professional.<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>1</b></span></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCAlUqTRJOs/T9yEb6SWiaI/AAAAAAAAAKM/az49UwoMGok/s1600/MP900427637%5B1%5D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCAlUqTRJOs/T9yEb6SWiaI/AAAAAAAAAKM/az49UwoMGok/s200/MP900427637%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I recently started using a new nasal spray for my allergic rhinitis. Since, I always read the instructions, I couldn't help but miss the note about talking to your doctor if you have glaucoma or making sure to have regular eye exams to screen for glaucoma. While this may seem precautionary since there is no clear data, it's a reasonable precaution. Glaucoma screening is an easy enough thing to have done. <br /><br />Regarding the risk of topical steroids, once again, the data is not clear. However, the general recommendations seem to be that the use of steroid creams should be limited around the eye in case a link to glaucoma exists.<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>2</b></span></i> Eyelids are made up of a thin layer of skin, allowing the steroid to be more easily transmitted to the eye which is why this area is of more concern than others. <br /><br />Lastly, according to CNNHealth.com, for those who have severe eczema around the eyes, complications such as blepharitis and conjunctivitis can occur. These are conditions which can also affect the quality of your vision.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rheNIxNB9pY/T9yEbM3TPxI/AAAAAAAAAKE/E_fe-I1TfZ0/s1600/MP900337254%5B1%5D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rheNIxNB9pY/T9yEbM3TPxI/AAAAAAAAAKE/E_fe-I1TfZ0/s200/MP900337254%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The important thing is to be aware of these conditions and have open discussions with your all of your doctors about ways you can reduce your risks and the potential of developing these eye conditions in order to develop a screening plan. Once again, <b>do not</b> discontinue the use of any of your medications. Risks in medicine are not an absolute <a href="http://atopicgirl.blogspot.ca/2012/01/improvement-or-cure.html">as I've discussed before</a> and these conditions need many, many years of exposure before potential manifestation. With proper screening and early diagnosis, these conditions can be managed with often excellent results.<br /><br /><div style="color: #134f5c;"><b>Footnotes</b></div><b>1.</b> <i></i>Bielory L, Blaiss M, Lieberman P, et al. "Concerns about intranasal corticosteroids for over-the-counter use: position statement of the Joint Task Force for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology." <i>Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol</i>. 2006 Apr;96(4):514-25. <i>as included in</i> <a href="http://www.aaaai.org/ask-the-expert/development-cataracts-glaucoma.aspx">"Risk of development of cataracts and/or glaucoma from inhaled steroids"</a>, American Academy of Allergy Asthma &amp; Immunology<br /><b>2.</b> Garrott HM, Walland MJ. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15068445">"Glaucoma from topical corticosteroids to the eyelids."</a> Clin Experiment Ophthalmol. 2004 Apr;32(2):224-6.<br /><br /><div style="color: #134f5c;"><b>Links</b></div><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eczema/ds00986/dsection=treatments-and-drugs">Atopic dermatitis - Treatments and drugs</a> (Mayo Clinic.com)<br /><a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/132745-how-treat-eczema-around-eyes/">How to treat eczema around the eyes</a> (Livestrong.com)<br /><a href="http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/complications.html">Atopic Dermatitis: Possible Complications</a> (EczemaNet - American Academy of Dermatology)<br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/eczema/DS00986.html#">Atopic dermatitis (eczema)</a> (CNNHealth.com)<br /><a href="http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_causes_cataracts_000026_2.htm%20">What Causes Cataracts</a> (University of Maryland Medical Centre)<br /><a href="http://www.aaaai.org/ask-the-expert/development-cataracts-glaucoma.aspx">Risk of development of cataracts and/or glaucoma from inhaled corticosteroids</a>&nbsp; (American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology)<br /><a href="http://www.asthma.org.uk/about-asthma/medicines-treatments/side-effects-of-asthma-medicines/">Side effects of asthma medicines</a>&nbsp; (Asthma UK)<br /><a href="http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/eye-allergies/Pages/default.aspx">Eye Allergies</a> (American College of Allergy, Asthma &amp; Immunology)Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-5334914469313091472012-06-01T12:26:00.001-04:002012-06-07T22:50:56.927-04:00Allergies, Atopy and Health Care Reform: Why You Should Care<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBgK2PCCPNQ/T8jqBfeJrYI/AAAAAAAAAJY/PDKXDRh_8Gg/s1600/MP900405224%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBgK2PCCPNQ/T8jqBfeJrYI/AAAAAAAAAJY/PDKXDRh_8Gg/s200/MP900405224%5B1%5D.jpg" width="143" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">I've written about why public relations matters for atopic and allergic people. This post will deal with why allergic and atopic people need to get involved with government relations, specifically health care policy. While this post is about the future of health care policy in Canada, I think some of the core messages certainly apply elsewhere. That said, Canada clearly has a lot to learn from many other Western nations who handle health care a lot better than we do.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">A few weeks ago, I attended a political convention in Toronto. I will "out" myself as a member of the Liberal party at this point. Now that it's out there, you can put whatever spin you wish to on anything I write here, but I am writing this with my unbiased hat on. Liberals have certainly not done anything to advance health care recently and are not in a position to do so at present.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">At the Liberal Convention, I had a great opportunity to hear talks by the </span><a href="http://www.hedyfry.com/"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Honourable Dr. Hedy Fry</span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">, M.P. for Vancouver Centre and Liberal Health Critic, and </span><a href="http://senatorarteggleton.ca/"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Senator Art Eggleton</span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;"> from Toronto and Deputy Chair of the Committee of Social Affairs, Science and Technology. The latter committee just released an extensive report on the 2004 Health Accord which expires in 2014 - </span><a href="http://senatorarteggleton.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=197"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">"Time for Transformative Change: A Review of the 2004 Health Accord"</span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">. If you're not familiar with the jurisdiction involved, very basically health care is administered by provinces, but the money is transferred from the federal government to each province. Some of the exceptions are health care for Inuit, First Nations and Aboriginal peoples as well as veterans and military personnel. Health care for those groups are administered and funded by the federal government.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Recently, I also attended a talk by Globe and Mail columnist and reporter, André Picard entitled "</span><a href="http://www.conferenceboard.ca/conf/12-0112/default.aspx?utm_source=conf&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=12-0146SIR2"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">The Path to Health Care Reform: Policy and Politics</span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">" organized by the Conference Board of Canada. This was another amazing talk about the future of health care in Canada.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AIhznKYfsE/T8jp2UC0cuI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/Ylbi9otRtEU/s1600/MP900400455%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AIhznKYfsE/T8jp2UC0cuI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/Ylbi9otRtEU/s200/MP900400455%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Both Fry and Picard pointed out that the current system of Medicare was created in a different time (the 1950s) and designed to fulfil a much different purpose than it does currently. Medicare was for acute cases and hospitals were for "birth, surgery and death" according to Picard.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">The medical system is much broader now. There are numerous chronic conditions like asthma, eczema and allergies that require life-long monitoring, treatment and medications. However, the system we currently have was never meant to deal with these kinds of issues. On the most basic level, diagnosis and treatment is still very fragmented. I currently see an immunologist and family doctor. In the past I have seen a dermatologist, pulmonologist and psychiatrist. In the future, chances are good that I will need an ophthalmologist. All of these conditions are related to atopic and allergic conditions, but they're all dealt with in a vacuum. This isn't the same in all countries. In other countries, there are hospital departments which deal with most of these conditions in a much more holistic way, but I have never experienced the same thing in Canada. What makes it even more difficult for people with multiple chronic conditions is the lack of e-records, something discussed by both Fry and Picard. I keep a spreadsheet with the basics of my medical information (treatments, medications, etc.) and print it out when needed, but this needs to be done on a national scale so it can be easily accessed by all relevant doctors and contain thorough data.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hpJXs6XNpKU/T8jsgCcNrYI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/91doXcgT3ZM/s1600/MP900400813%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hpJXs6XNpKU/T8jsgCcNrYI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/91doXcgT3ZM/s200/MP900400813%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">What really struck me about Picard's talk is that he addressed the ideological barriers that exist in Canada surrounding Medicare. To critique health care is to risk a politician's career because the concept of universal health care is so entrenched in Canadian pride and identity. We think it distinguishes us, makes us better than everyone else, when really there are a lot of countries who administer universal health care better than we do. Picard called our view of health care "myth"-based, when it should be fact-based. It should be a rational discussion of how to improve a half-century old institution.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">I won't go much further into his discussion, because I think it's worth hearing from him. I will include the Globe and Mail article and the video and audio to his actual talk below.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Regarding Dr. Fry's talk, she outlined four areas that need to be addressed:</span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">1. Pharmaceutical strategy </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">2. Health Human resources </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">3. E-health</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">4. Delivery of care</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4KL6oeIMuI/T8jr3-0mHmI/AAAAAAAAAJo/Rpyiu5jjns4/s1600/MP900321104%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4KL6oeIMuI/T8jr3-0mHmI/AAAAAAAAAJo/Rpyiu5jjns4/s200/MP900321104%5B1%5D.jpg" width="142" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Every point in there is important for those of us with atopic and allergic conditions. The amount of medications I use in a year adds up to a staggering financial amount. I feel I am an otherwise healthy person, but the fact is that I need medications to maintain my health. An important part of Medicare should be financial assistance for medications, yet it's not something we have unless one is hospitalized or meets very narrow criteria. <br /><br />There is also a shortage of certain specialists and too many dermatologists and family physicians who spend more time selling cosmetic procedures instead of dealing with their medical patients in a timely fashion. Something in there has to change. There should be no reason to wait six to eight months for an appointment. There are immunologists and dermatologists who have figured out the perfect balance and that needs to be looked at.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">E-health is a simple concept, but is proving difficult to implement for many reasons, some valid and some not. However, for people who will deal with lifelong conditions, it's necessary. Canada is also the second largest country in the world in terms of land. It is not feasible for every population in Canada to have access to each kind of specialist it needs; however, telehealth (something being done very well by organizations like the </span><a href="http://otn.ca/"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Ontario Telemedicine Network</span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">) is cost-efficient and practical. Technology and services like this need to be rolled out across the country so that every remote community has access to the best care possible.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Delivery of care deals with multidisciplinary, holistic teams and more of a focus on home care. This is something that is pretty difficult to disagree with. However, it's not happening on the scale it needs to. Considering the fact that </span><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/05/29/census-data-release.html"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">seniors form a larger proportion of Canadians</span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;"> than ever before, it's past time to act.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">So, what does all of this mean? It means that the health care system we are all proud of needs fundamental restructuring. It means that as people with chronic conditions or as the parents of those with chronic conditions, we need to start pushing our M.P.s and provincial representatives to change now. Health care is something that deserves and requires federal leadership and whatever your political leanings, that's the exact opposite of what the current government wants. </span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbwNHvpLE2Y/T8jqIZRcoFI/AAAAAAAAAJg/LX5bYBLxsjA/s1600/MP910220897%5B1%5D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbwNHvpLE2Y/T8jqIZRcoFI/AAAAAAAAAJg/LX5bYBLxsjA/s200/MP910220897%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">I am always amazed at the amount of backlash when some meaningless person out there makes a disparaging or intolerant remark about kids with peanut allergies. Clearly we have power, but we don't always use it in the most productive way. Regular, motivated parents are responsible for ground-breaking legislation like Sabrina's Law. This is the next step to that kind of legislation. It's about making sure plans are in place to help people with atopic and allergic conditions throughout the rest of their lives.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">At some point, your allergic child with asthma or eczema is going to be my age. They're going to be dealing with the health care system all by themselves and wouldn't it be amazing if they didn't have to spend a lot of their income on medications just so they could live a regular life? Wouldn't it be amazing if they didn't spend hours of their time on visits to doctors? Wouldn't you feel better if they had an anaphylactic or asthmatic reaction and the hospital had access to all of their medications and medical history? Shouldn't it be a Canadian right to live in any province and have access to the same level and type of health care services?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">That's what this is all about. So, let's get this started.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Links You Should Read:</b>&nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.cpac.ca/forms/index.asp?dsp=template&amp;act=view3&amp;pagetype=vod&amp;hl=e&amp;clipID=7124">The Path to Health Care Reform: Policy and Politics</a> (VIDEO)- André Picard (CPAC)&nbsp;</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.conferenceboard.ca/conf/12-0112/default.aspx?utm_source=conf&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=12-0146SIR2">The Path to Health Care Reform: Policy and Politics</a> (AUDIO)- André Picard (Conference Board of Canada)&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/andre-picard/dragging-medicare-into-the-21st-century/article2441600/page2/">Dragging medicare into the 21st century</a> - </span><span style="font-size: small;">André Picard (Globe and Mail)&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://senatorarteggleton.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=197">Time for Transformative Change in Health Care</a> - Senate Report (Committee of Social Affairs, Science and Technology)&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.hilltimes.com/policy-briefing/2011/02/07/federal-provincial-health-accord-expires-in-2014-experts-say-its-time-feds/25429">Federal-provincial health accord expires in 2014, experts say it's time feds talk about their plans</a> - Bea Vongdouangchanh (The Hill Times Online)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Links to Get Started:</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx">Government of Canada - Members of Parliament </a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.assembly.ab.ca/net/index.aspx?p=mla_home">Alberta - Members of the Legislative Assembly </a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/index.htm">British Columbia -&nbsp; Members of the Legislative Assembly</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/members/alphabetical.html">Manitoba - Members of the Legislative Assembly</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.assembly.nl.ca/members/contact-your-member.htm">Newfoundland and Labrador -&nbsp; Members of the House of Assembly</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www1.gnb.ca/legis/bios1/index-e.asp">New Brunswick - Members of the Legislative Assembly</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.assembly.gov.nt.ca/_live/pages/wpPages/members16thassembly.aspx">Northwest Territories - Members of the Legislative Assembly</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://nslegislature.ca/index.php/people/members/">Nova Scotia - Members of the Legislative Assembly </a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.assembly.nu.ca/members/mla">Nunavut - Members of the Legislative Assembly</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/member_addresses.do?AddType=QP&amp;locale=en">Ontario - Members of Provincial Parliament </a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.assembly.pe.ca/index.php3?number=1024584&amp;lang=E">Prince Edward Island -Members of the Legislative Assembly</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.assnat.qc.ca/en/deputes/index.html">Quebec - Members of the National Assembly</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.legassembly.sk.ca/mlas/">Saskatchewan - Members of the National Assembly</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.legassembly.gov.yk.ca/members.html">Yukon - Members of the National Assembly</a></span></div>Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-48510810271774400242012-05-16T13:56:00.003-04:002012-05-16T17:34:44.736-04:00Lessons to Learn from Anaphylaxis DeathsEvery time I hear about another death from food allergies, I am horrified, sad and take it as another reminder to be vigilant. I just read <a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/teen-dies-after-apparent-1438242.html">an article about Diallo Robbins-Brinson</a> who passed away in Atlanta this past Monday. My intent here is not to be critical. My intent is to point out what <i>must</i> be learned from this. <br /><br />Allergies are not a fixed thing. Personally, my food allergies developed over almost a decade and within that time, some came and went a few times. Even now, in my 30s, I have some that may have disappeared and I'm careful to eat a variety of foods and never become dependant on one thing should I develop another allergy. I also know a handful of people who developed allergies in their 20s and they had no history of allergies, personal or familial. If you are allergic to anything, you unfortunately must assume that you can develop other allergies.<br /><br />The other point is that in the article, it stated that according to his mother, Robbins-Brinson was "so accustomed to avoiding peanuts, Diallo no longer carried an Epi-Pen". It's pretty obvious why this horrifies me. Sorry to use that word twice, but that's what it is - horror. I am very accustomed to avoiding eggs, dairy, certain nuts and shellfish, but under no circumstances would I not carry two EpiPens with me. If I didn't have my EpiPen (I always have my EpiPen), I wouldn't eat.<br /><br />Complacency and comfort are things allergic people can never afford to be. Not ever. We can never get accustomed to being safe. We're just not. We can live our lives normally and be positive and optimistic (and we should be), but no matter what, we have to be critical and be prepared for the worst. <br /><br />Once again, I am not criticizing the family at all. This was an undiagnosed allergy and I can certainly understand why Robbins-Brinson did everything the way he did. I've written before about <a href="http://atopicgirl.blogspot.ca/2012/03/act-like-its-first-time-every-time.html">how I can feel "too safe"</a> when I'm staying with friends and family.<br /><br />What I am saying is that parents and caregivers should have frank discussions with their child's/teen's immunologist and their child/teen. For adults, being older doesn't mean you're wiser and it certainly doesn't mean you can stop an anaphylactic attack. If any doctors are reading this, you need to be a lot more frank with your patients. A little bit of fear is not a bad thing if it makes someone carry an EpiPen or wear a MedicAlert bracelet. I'll admit that a horror story about a freshman who was force-fed eggs during university initiation and suffered severe anaphylaxis was what it took for me to become so vigilant about my own health years ago.<br /><br />I would love to see an awareness campaign about always carrying epinephrine auto-injectors developed by a social profit allergy organization and funded by the makers of epinephrine auto-injectors. It worked for seatbealts.<br /><br />So, please learn the lessons here. Allergies change and under no circumstances should anyone with allergies or asthma be without an epinephrine auto-injector or medical bracelet. It's just not worth it.Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-17606251301738629702012-05-09T23:52:00.000-04:002012-05-16T17:35:58.321-04:00Celebrating Food Allergy Awareness Month in CanadaIt's that time of year again. This is a great chance to educate others about what it means to be food allergic while getting involved with some great Canadian organizations and making a difference. There are so many simple ways to show your support.<br /><br /><b>Say Thanks</b><br />1. Anaphylaxis Canada wants you to nominate a "Difference Maker" - someone in your life who has made a difference in keeping you or someone you love with allergies safe. For information and deadlines, please visit: <a href="http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/en/media/hot_topics.html?news_id=17">http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/en/media/hot_topics.html?news_id=17</a><br />2. OlliLolli is currently looking for an Allergy Aware Hero. Nominate someone who makes an outstanding difference to promote allergy awareness in Canada. To nominate someone and check out the rules, please visit: <a href="http://www.ollilolli.com/blog/the-2012-olli-lolli-allergy-aware-hero-award/">http://www.ollilolli.com/blog/the-2012-olli-lolli-allergy-aware-hero-award/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjTBQLqswYs/T6s6nsUANCI/AAAAAAAAAIs/ah2sXpel2Bo/s1600/MP910220897%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjTBQLqswYs/T6s6nsUANCI/AAAAAAAAAIs/ah2sXpel2Bo/s200/MP910220897%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Volunteer</b><br />There are plenty of social profit (a.k.a. not-for-profit) organizations in Canada that need your help. To find out more visit great organizations like <a href="http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/">Anaphylaxis Canada</a>, <a href="http://eczemahelp.ca/">The Eczema Society of Canada</a>, <a href="http://www.asthma.ca/">The Asthma Society of Canada </a>and the <a href="http://aaia.ca/en/index.htm">Allergy/Asthma Information Association</a>. No matter how much time you have to spare, you can find something to fit your schedule and make a difference. <br /><br /><b>Fundraise</b><br />All across the country, allergy walks are happening throughout May. Get involved and fundraise for a worthwhile cause. For more information on <a href="https://aaia.raiseapp.ca/">EpiPen Take Action</a> walks occurring throughout the country, please visit the <a href="http://aaia.ca/en/index.htm">Allergy/Asthma Information Association website</a>.<br /><br /><b>Learn</b><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8R-1FXZrgs4/T6s6g1-QjwI/AAAAAAAAAIk/UqeprzuDcPE/s1600/MP900289528%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8R-1FXZrgs4/T6s6g1-QjwI/AAAAAAAAAIk/UqeprzuDcPE/s200/MP900289528%5B1%5D.jpg" width="133" /></a>Anaphylaxis Canada has a series of information sessions in Barrie, Toronto and Hamilton. For dates and to register, visit the event page at: <a href="http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/en/media/events.html?news_id=11">http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/en/media/events.html?news_id=11</a><br /><br />For even more, visit Anaphylaxis Canada's <a href="http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/en/media/hot_topics.html?news_id=18">Hot Topics page</a>. There's great information about how to order posters, get involved with the <a href="http://www.whyriskit.ca/pages/en/home.php">WhyRiskIt</a> teen program and even learn about the <a href="http://www.whyriskit.ca/pages/posts/2012-sabrina-shannon-memorial-award41.php">Sabrina Shannon Memorial Award</a>.<br /><br />Have some more ideas or want to share what you're doing? Please feel free to share in the comments section!<br /><br /><b>Happy Allergy Awareness Month!</b>Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-13331814753149676712012-04-16T12:15:00.000-04:002012-05-16T17:35:29.608-04:0010 Great Things About Being Allergic & AtopicThere really are some benefits to having allergies and atopy. In honour of <a href="http://www.worldallergy.org/worldallergyweek/">World Allergy Week</a>, I've decided to compile my top ten list. Of course, this list is a bit tongue-in-cheek, and definitely not intended to make light of any of these conditions, but all of it is based on my personal experiences.<br /><br />1. Because you're allergic to so many things, it's pretty impossible to gain too much weight. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAskdAYWksA/T4xEk6onBVI/AAAAAAAAAHs/H7ERASnZVHY/s1600/MP900442320%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAskdAYWksA/T4xEk6onBVI/AAAAAAAAAHs/H7ERASnZVHY/s200/MP900442320%5B1%5D.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>2. When you're faced with a really nasty looking, oddly orange-coloured casserole made with cream of mushroom soup, orange juice, overcooked salmon and topped with Ritz crackers, you can truthfully say you're allergic and lie that you're sad you can't eat it since it looks wonderful.<br /><br />3. The chefs at restaurants frequently make your custom, allergy-free meal way better than your dinner companions' meals and you are envied.<br /><br />4. Since every restaurant isn't allergy-friendly you get to pick where you want to go when you eat out with friends and family (though you never take advantage of course).<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrI-6BCuwws/T4xEjHVQsxI/AAAAAAAAAHk/nv28gJEJMks/s1600/MP900289592%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrI-6BCuwws/T4xEjHVQsxI/AAAAAAAAAHk/nv28gJEJMks/s200/MP900289592%5B1%5D.jpg" width="133" /></a>5. If you have an allergic or asthmatic reaction and the ambulance isn't close enough, you get a whole team of firefighters in uniform instead.<br />&nbsp; <br />6. You know enough medical terms that you can actually follow what the actors are saying on House.<br /><br />7. You baby your skin so much that you'll look 30 when you're 45.<br /><br />8. To avoid eating scary casseroles (see number 2), you start cooking and realize you're really good at it. <br /><br />9. You are always well-stocked with epinephrine, anti-histamines, Kleenex, lotion, lip balm, etc.; so, you are literally and figuratively a life-saver at any event.<br /><br />10. &nbsp;You know what you can't eat or use; so, you love trying out safe, new foods and products. Your friends and family love your recommendations.<br /><br />If you've got anything to add, I'd love to read it; so, please add it to the comments below!Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-59350665575486963042012-03-23T12:10:00.002-04:002012-03-23T12:15:54.724-04:00Canadian Allergy, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Events - Spring 2012<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V02L5Dt3e8g/T2yfXacbK6I/AAAAAAAAAHc/Ml-8TEmYH5c/s1600/MP900399614%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V02L5Dt3e8g/T2yfXacbK6I/AAAAAAAAAHc/Ml-8TEmYH5c/s320/MP900399614%5B1%5D.jpg" width="252" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">There are a lot of great events going on this spring aimed at creating awareness and even fundraising for allergies, asthma and anaphylaxis.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Take a look, find something in your community and get involved! If you know of another great event, please feel free to add the details in the comment section.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>April 16th -22nd</b></i> - World Allergy Organization - <a href="http://www.worldallergy.org/worldallergyweek/#woa2012"><b>World Allergy Week </b></a><u><b><br /></b></u></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>April 21st</b></i> - Anaphylaxis Canada - <b><a href="http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/en/media/events.html?news_id=5">5th Annual Community Conference</a></b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>May 6th - 9th</b></i> - FAARP &amp; Health Canada - <b><a href="http://www.initia.org/en/events/conf/seventh-workshop-food-allergen-methodologies">Seventh Workshop on Food Allergen Methodologies</a></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Various Dates</b></i> - Anaphylaxis Canada - <b><a href="http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/en/media/events.html?news_id=11">Ask the Allergist </a></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Vancouver, BC - Saturday, March 31st</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Barrie, ON - Wednesday, May 9th</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Toronto, ON - Thursday, May 24th</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>* More dates and locations to come</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Various Dates</b></i> - </span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://aaia.raiseapp.ca/">EpiPen TakeAction Event</a>: </span></b><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://aaia.raiseapp.ca/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=234:ottawa&amp;catid=80&amp;Itemid=265">Ottawa, ON </a>- Saturday, May 5th </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://aaia.raiseapp.ca/the-locations/winnipeg">Winnipeg, MB </a>- Saturday May 12th</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://aaia.raiseapp.ca/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=235:brooklin&amp;catid=80&amp;Itemid=266">Brooklin, ON </a>- Saturday, May 12th</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://aaia.raiseapp.ca/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=237:mississauga&amp;catid=80&amp;Itemid=268">Mississauga, ON </a>- Saturday, May 27th</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://aaia.raiseapp.ca/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=236:windsor&amp;catid=80&amp;Itemid=267">Windsor, ON </a>- Saturday, May 26th</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://aaia.raiseapp.ca/the-locations/vancouver">Vancouver, BC </a>- TBA</span>Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-70279218113686024912012-03-19T08:26:00.000-04:002012-03-19T08:26:54.232-04:00Act Like It's the First Time, Every Time<i style="color: #134f5c;"><b>Don't Get Comfortable With Food Allergies</b></i><span style="color: #134f5c;"> </span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ea6_jskzNj0/T2TamZW6sAI/AAAAAAAAAHU/MkV-Zr3gPdw/s1600/MP900402635%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ea6_jskzNj0/T2TamZW6sAI/AAAAAAAAAHU/MkV-Zr3gPdw/s200/MP900402635%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a>I travel to Toronto and Ottawa frequently. Luckily, I have great family and friends to stay with. They understand my allergies which means that for the most part, I have safe environments in which to stay. It's hard not appreciate that. It's also hard not to take that for granted and become complacent. During my most recent trip, I was reminded of the importance of never being too comfortable with any environment.<br /><br />First, I accepted a set of sheets which I knew had been exposed to a cat. It was over six months ago and the set of sheets had been washed numerous times since, but I know the science. Dander does not easily wash out. For anyone with a serious allergy, once fabric has been exposed to cat dander, it's best to toss it. However, I didn't heed my own advice and it resulted in a pretty nasty rash on my face and neck.<br /><br />Second, I was looking for a late-night snack and thought a few crackers would do nicely. So, I entered a well-stocked pantry and pulled out the familiar yellow Triscuit box. I actually opened the box and then wondered what on earth I was doing. I always check labels. The first time I buy something, the fiftieth time I buy the same thing and sometimes even at home before I eat it. So, I read the ingredients and found that there was milk. I was a bit shocked and looked at the front of the box. <i>Parmesan-flavoured</i> Triscuits...I didn't know they had such a thing. But, they do. I put the box back and washed my hands, just in case.<br /><br />Third, I was prepared to make myself a lovely sandwich a couple of days ago. The bread on the counter looked exactly like the bread my friend and I had purchased during my last visit. I took out a slice of bread and then remembering the "Triscuit episode" I checked the ingredients, which once again contained milk. I still don't know what the difference is between that bread and the earlier one we'd purchased, but there was clearly an important one.<br /><br />The lesson here is obvious - always check and always ask. The danger of getting too comfortable is obvious. Even when it's a restaurant you've been to a dozen times or a dish you've ordered that has always been safe, treat it like it's your first time, every time.Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125571501161537583.post-56750764290427859312012-03-15T18:59:00.002-04:002012-03-15T18:59:13.757-04:00Absences Make the Heart Grow Fonder<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGE6b2K7lUQ/T2Jz4xU8AuI/AAAAAAAAAHM/zM5NIVmVLCk/s1600/MP900399641%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGE6b2K7lUQ/T2Jz4xU8AuI/AAAAAAAAAHM/zM5NIVmVLCk/s200/MP900399641%5B1%5D.jpg" width="159" /></a>I aim to post two blog posts a month. When there's a holiday or a current issue, that number can easily go up. Sadly, I was felled by a nasty cold. At least I didn't get the flu, thanks to the flu shot.<br /><br />So, I am back in blog posting mode and I do have some great ones I'm working on regarding the upcoming allergen labelling laws in Canada, atopic conditions and allergies in First Nations and aboriginal communities and the impact of climate change on allergies. This past so-called winter has certainly made me think about the last two.<br /><br />To prove I haven't been entirely delinquent, I have a guest post for The Eczema Company to be released shortly as well as an article in The Eczema Society of Canada's Spring newsletter. If you have anything you'd like me to address, certainly let me know. I love hearing about ideas.<br /><br />Happy Almost Spring!Atopic Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15161990790830766006noreply@blogger.com0